On January 18, 2025, two Russian oil tankers sank in the Black Sea due to severe storm conditions, resulting in an estimated 3,750 tons of heavy oil spilling into the water. This incident is considered the largest environmental disaster in contemporary Russian history.
The sunken vessels, both over 40 years old, have raised international concerns due to their deteriorating condition. According to Greenpeace, between 400 and 1,000 square kilometers of sea and coastline have been contaminated. Cleanup efforts are expected to take years.
Initial reactions from Russian officials were muted, with President Vladimir Putin stating several days later that the situation was under control. However, local governor Veniamin Kondratiev confirmed the oil contamination after residents reported seeing oil slicks on the beaches of Anapa, a popular destination for Russian families.
One month after the spill, thousands of volunteers continue to clean the Black Sea shores, rescuing numerous affected birds. The cleanup has posed risks, with around 150 volunteers seeking medical assistance for symptoms of poisoning.
Heavy oil, classified as a highly hazardous fuel containing carcinogenic substances, has led to the death of at least 30 whales and 1,300 seabirds, according to environmental activists. Additionally, 60 dolphins have been reported dead in the Krasnodar region, with more found in Crimea.
Despite assurances from Russian consumer protection authorities that drinking water and air quality remain unaffected, new oil slicks continue to appear daily, reaching even the Crimean Peninsula. Environmentalist Giorgi Kavanovsyan predicts that remnants of the heavy oil will wash ashore for at least two more years, with complete cleanup requiring a year utilizing bacterial methods.
Currently, specialists are working to pump remaining heavy oil from one of the tankers, which is located approximately 80 meters from the shore. The second vessel has sunk entirely.